The Competitive MAC Framework, which outlines the distribution of future Maritime Area Consents for offshore renewable projects, was published by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority. The framework is designed to support MARA’s broader regulatory mandate while directing the advancement of offshore renewable developments through the consent stages.
The framework is in line with national energy and climate goals and fits into Ireland’s current offshore renewable planning strategy. It is derived from the Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework Policy Statement 2024, which describes the anticipated evolution of offshore renewable development from 2030 to 2050. That policy also stated that MARA needed to determine whether and how a competitive consent process could be implemented.
Off the south coast of Ireland lies the country’s first Offshore Renewable Energy Designated Maritime Area Plan. For Site A, also known as Tonn Nua, an auction under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme has already taken place. In the future, MARA may use the Competitive MAC Framework to get permission for development in Maritime Areas B, C, and D. Depending on the project’s timing and context, the same methodology might also be applied to locations listed under the national offshore wind DMAP.
Baringa LLP provided advisory support for the development of the framework, which was informed by international regulatory models and thorough industry participant engagement. According to MARA, the structure is flexible enough to apply various criteria and weightings based on the unique features of each site and allocation round.
An evaluation of the framework’s essential elements and the variety of potential strategies for each was the first step in the development process. Ireland’s regulatory and policy landscape was examined in conjunction with international experience. In order to strike a balance between industry input and public policy requirements, the process was refined by using feedback from consultations to narrow down options and improve the preferred structure.
“The publication of our Competitive MAC Framework represents an important milestone for offshore renewable energy in Ireland. It provides a transparent, flexible and robust approach to the allocation of Maritime Area Consents for offshore wind projects within DMAPs, supporting sustainable development while recognising the distinct characteristics of individual sites. Engagement with stakeholders has been central to shaping this framework, and we are confident it will play a key role in enabling the delivery of offshore wind projects in line with Ireland’s climate ambitions,” said Laura Brien, Chief Executive of MARA.